Panhellenic Association Fights Against Breast Cancer

October has become a month associated with everything pink. Organizations and groups around the nation raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. Being the largest women's organization on the KUcampus, the Panhellenic Association has a unique stake in the health and well-being of women. 

This year, the Panhellenic Association at KU has made a commitment to "Knock Out Breast Cancer" and has teamed up with the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The American Cancer Society has estimated there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed this year. In order to raise awareness of this fact and many others, the two groups will be setting up tables on campus from Monday, October 17 through Friday, October 21. At these tables, students will find information about breast cancer and how to check for the disease. Students can write and send postcards to their mothers, grandmothers, family members and friends, reminding them to check for breast cancer. There will also be a memorial ribbon wall where students can honor their loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer.

Panhellenic chapters have also participated in three fund raising efforts to support breast cancer research. These efforts culminated in a more than $1,800 donation to the KU Cancer Center and the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Breast Cancer Center.

This year, 12 of the 13 chapters on campus sold a total of 487 breast cancer awareness t-shirts. This figure is about one-third of the total Panhellenic population. Proceeds from these sales totaled $1,500, which will be donated to the KU Cancer Center.

Sororities on campus also bought ribbons to adorn their chapter houses and Jayhawk Boulevard. Eight chapters purchased a total of 30 ribbons. This raised $300 in donations to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Finally, all 13 Panhellenic chapters signed up to host “Pink Hair for Hope” parties at their chapter housing facilities. At these parties, chapter members will be able to purchase pink hair extensions for a $10 donation, benefitting the Lawrence Memorial Hospital.